There are so many ways to describe the share economy–including “sharing economy,” “collaborative consumption” and “circular economy.” But the essential concept is the same: Access to goods and services is more important than owning them. In this way, the share economy could solve some of the environment’s biggest problems.[Read more…]

I just called my Senator. Up until now, I’ve been more interested in social media action, but the stakes are so high today that I had to take all steps possible. You see, tomorrow the Senate will decide whether or not to pass S. 2609–also known as the “Deny Americans the Right to Know” or DARK Act. After the House of Representatives passed it last year, the Senate is our last line of defense. The DARK Act would make it illegal for states to require GMO labeling and would override GMO labeling bills already in place–regardless of the fact that 94% of Americans want GMO labeling. Luckily, the Senate also has another bill on the table. [Read more…]

Tis the season for chocolate. Between Valentine’s and Easter, we’re practically made of the stuff. For several years, I’ve asked readers to boycott Hershey’s—the biggest chocolate manufacturer in America—because of delays in implementing third-party certification to reduce the prevalence of child labor, forced labor, child trafficking and verbal, physical and sexual harassment in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, where the company sources its cocoa. I even published candy guides to help parents navigate away from companies like Nestle, which phased out artificial food additives in their European confectionary line three years ago, but have yet to make the same move here in America. (Oh, and bottled California’s water without remorse during the drought.) Until recently, I had no idea that there was so much choice when it comes to conscious chocolate! From fair trade to organic to—yes—even vegan chocolate, this candy has come a long way, baby. [Read more…]

Just as companies like Hallmark transformed Valentine’s Day into a $13 billion business, McDonald’s supersized Shamrock Shake–weighing in at a whopping 820 calories–somehow became synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day. But with just a few ingredients, you can make a delicious vegan shamrock shake in minutes–with ingredients that are actually good for you! [Read more…]